Richard III (Duke of Gloucester). An oath is of no moment, being not took
Before a true and lawful magistrate,
That hath authority over him that swears:
Henry had none, but did usurp the place;
Then, seeing 'twas he that made you to depose,
320Your oath, my lord, is vain and frivolous.
Therefore, to arms! And, father, do but think
How sweet a thing it is to wear a crown;
Within whose circuit is Elysium
And all that poets feign of bliss and joy.
325Why do we finger thus? I cannot rest
Until the white rose that I wear be dyed
Even in the lukewarm blood of Henry's heart.

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). Richard, enough; I will be king, or die.
Brother, thou shalt to London presently,
330And whet on Warwick to this enterprise.
Thou, Richard, shalt to the Duke of Norfolk,
And tell him privily of our intent.
You Edward, shall unto my Lord Cobham,
With whom the Kentishmen will willingly rise:
335In them I trust; for they are soldiers,
Witty, courteous, liberal, full of spirit.
While you are thus employ'd, what resteth more,
But that I seek occasion how to rise,
And yet the king not privy to my drift,
340Nor any of the house of Lancaster?
[Enter a Messenger]But, stay: what news? Why comest thou in such post?

Messenger. The queen with all the northern earls and lords
Intend here to besiege you in your castle:
345She is hard by with twenty thousand men;
And therefore fortify your hold, my lord.

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). Ay, with my sword. What! think'st thou that we fear them?
Edward and Richard, you shall stay with me;
My brother Montague shall post to London:
350Let noble Warwick, Cobham, and the rest,
Whom we have left protectors of the king,
With powerful policy strengthen themselves,
And trust not simple Henry nor his oaths.

Marquess of Montague. Brother, I go; I'll win them, fear it not:
355And thus most humbly I do take my leave.
[Exit][Enter JOHN MORTIMER and HUGH MORTIMER]Sir John and Sir Hugh Mortimer, mine uncles,
You are come to Sandal in a happy hour;
360The army of the queen mean to besiege us.

Richard Plantagenet (Duke of Gloucester). Five men to twenty! though the odds be great,
I doubt not, uncle, of our victory.
370Many a battle have I won in France,
When as the enemy hath been ten to one:
Why should I not now have the like success?